Who’s the most valuable Scarlet Knight?

Sure, it’s 102 days until the start of preseason camp, but it’s never too early to talk Rutgers football. In an attempt to stir discussion — and since we’re admittedly tired of discussing that mess of a Rutgers men’s basketball program right now — here’s our list of the top 20 most valuable players on the Rutgers football team (special nod to Brian Bennett, because we ripped this idea from his ESPN.com blog last year).

We’ll be offering, in descending order, our top-20 based on one simple criteria: How important is the player to the success of Rutgers’ 2010 season. Though we won’t be giving our top-5 until Sunday, it’s safe to assume Mohamed Sanu and Tom Savage will be near the top because the Scarlet Knights would pretty much be doomed without their star duo.

As always, we welcome your comments on this admittedly subject-for-debate topic:

Manny Abreu recorded 18 tackles in eight games for the Scarlet Knights last fall. (MyCentralJersey.com file photo)

20. Manny Abreu: This spring was a make-or-break camp for one of New Jersey’s most heralded linebacker recruits, and by all accounts Abreu delivered on his promise. The rising redshirt junior, who didn’t start any of his eight contests last fall after starting seven of his 13 games in ’08, went a long way toward solidifying the starting strongside linebacker spot with his strong spring camp.

19. Mark Harrison: Considered a freak athlete, Harrison hauled in five receptions, including a touchdown, while playing eight games as a true freshman last fall. While the 6-3, 230-pounder didn’t nail down the wideout spot opposite Mohamed Sanu this spring, Harrison will no doubt be a favorite target of Tom Savage his season if he delivers on his seemingly limitless potential.

18. Teddy Dellaganna: Arguably the Big East’s premier punter, Dellaganna figures to be a special teams weapon once again this season. The fifth-year senior, who averaged 42.2 yards on his 68 punts, possesses the kind of potential that may lead him to an NFL camp by this time next year.

17. Desmond Stapleton: Granted, this may be a tad high for an offensive lineman with one career start under his belt but we figure the player who may be assigned the task of protecting Tom Savage’s blindside better be valuable this season. Though there’s a chance that Stapleton may end up back at right tackle — the position he learned during his first three years — the 6-5, 285-pounder ended spring camp at left tackle. Either way, the Union High product, whose brother, Darnell, was a two-year starting center in 2005 and ’06, figures to start somewhere on Rutgers’ question-filled offensive line.

In addition to being a valuable member of Rutgers' defensive line, Eric LeGrand is a force on special teams. (MyCentralJersey.com file photo)

16. Eric LeGrand: Though technically not a starter, LeGrand figures to split time with Charlie Noonan at nose tackle next season. The 6-2 junior, who has beefed up to an Eric Foster-like 270 pounds, has turned in two productive seasons, playing in 25 of Rutgers’ 26 games since arriving from Colonia High in 2008. After trying his hand at linebacker, fullback and defensive end, LeGrand found a home at nose tackle, recording 33 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, two sacks, three quarterback hurries and recovering two fumbles last season.

About Keith Sargeant

Keith Sargeant is a graduate of Middlesex County College and Kean University. A Home News Tribune staff writer since August 1997, Keith has been covering Rutgers sports since 2000, serving as the Scarlet Knights' football beat writer since 2006.

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About the Author

Jerry CarinoJerry Carino has covered sports for the Gannett New Jersey newspapers since 1996 and has been on the college basketball beat since 2003. A native of Old Bridge, he also teaches journalism at Kean University.E-mail Jerry

Josh NewmanJosh Newman has worked for the Press since September 2004 and began covering Shore Conference sports full time in September 2006. He is a 2004 graduate of Springfield College with a degree in communications/sports journalism.E-mail Josh

Ryan DunleavyRyan Dunleavy has covered Rutgers athletics for more than a decade, dating back to his days as a student at his alma mater. He became New Jersey Press Media’s Rutgers women’s basketball beat writer in 2009 and Rutgers football beat writer in 2013. Since joining the staff in 2004, the Morris County native also has covered the NFL, MLB, NBA, the Somerset Patriots and high school sports.E-mail Ryan